Chapter 3: Showdown
The third day, the last 24 hours before the apocalypse.
At 10 a.m., Vivian drove to the ranch alone.
She wore a plain-colored long dress, no heavy makeup, and her hair was simply tied in a ponytail, making her look pure and innocent.
I stood at the door, a cigar dangling from my lips, staring at her expressionlessly.
"Come in."
Vivian walked into the living room with her head down, sat on the sofa, and nervously twisted the hem of her skirt with both hands.
"Cort...I...I have something I want to tell you..."
She looked up, her eyes red and swollen, as if she might burst into tears at any moment.
"you say."
I sat opposite him, legs crossed.
"I know you saw that photo..."
Vivian bit her lip.
"That was...that was an accident..."
"Marcus and I were drunk...we didn't do anything..."
"Really...you have to believe me..."
She started to cry, tears streaming down her cheeks.
If I didn't know her true nature, I might have really softened my heart.
But I just watched her perform quietly.
"Are you done talking?"
I asked casually.
Vivian was stunned.
She didn't expect that I wouldn't react at all.
"Cort...you...don't you want to say anything?"
She asked tentatively.
"say what?"
I sneered.
"Say I forgive you?"
"Or should we start over?"
"Vivian, you're a good actress."
Vivian was completely stunned.
"You should go now."
"Don't come looking for me again."
Vivian bit her lip, a hint of resentment flashing in her eyes.
"good."
She stood up, walked to the door, and suddenly turned back.
"Cole, you'll regret this."
"Yeah?"
I laughed.
"Then I'll wait and see."
After Vivian left, I turned on the surveillance system.
Drone footage shows that Vivian made a phone call immediately after getting into the car.
From her lip movements, it's clear she's saying, "He knows nothing. There's nothing unusual on the ranch."
I switched to another screen.
Marcus, sitting in his car three kilometers away, smiled with satisfaction after receiving Vivian's call.
"very good."
He spoke into the phone.
"We'll make our move tonight."
I turned off the monitor and lit a cigar.
"bring it on."
"I'll be waiting for you."
3 p.m.
I stood by the window of the ranch owner's house, watching the construction team putting the finishing touches on the work in the yard.
The bunker's alloy door has been installed, the fresh air system is being tested, and all surveillance cameras are online.
The courtyard appears to be the same as usual, but the underground traps, electric fences, and sensors have turned it into a killing fortress.
I glanced at my watch.
There are 8 hours left until the apocalypse begins.
My phone rang.
Caller ID: Marcus Steele.
I answered the phone.
"Cort, Vivian and I are going to your ranch tonight."
Marcus's voice was calm, but carried a hint of suppressed anger.
"We need to talk."
"OK."
I said it casually.
"You're welcome anytime."
After hanging up the phone, I went into the bunker.
Begin the final preparations.
I checked all the supplies in the space:
Water: 500 tons
Food: Enough for one person to eat for ten years
Medicines: Enough to open a small hospital
Weapons: Bow and arrow, arrows, knife, stab-proof vest
Energy sources: diesel fuel, generators, solar panels
I took out some necessities from my storage space and placed them in the bunker.
He then took out a complete set of tactical equipment from his spatial storage: stab-proof vest, tactical vest, helmet, tactical knife, and crossbow.
All weapons were cleaned and maintained, and the arrows were loaded.
"Come on, Marcus."
I whispered.
"Let me see what backup plans you've prepared."
At 7 p.m., it was getting dark.
Three black SUVs were parked at the entrance of the ranch.
The car door opened, and Marcus and Vivian got out.
Behind them followed six burly men—all mercenaries Marcus had hired from Blackwater Security, each equipped with guns and tactical gear.
Marcus wasn't wearing a suit today; instead, he was dressed in tactical gear with a Glock pistol hanging from his waist.
The fake smile on his face vanished, replaced by a coldness and madness.
Vivian also changed her outfit, wearing a tight-fitting combat suit, her ponytail tied high, and her eyes sharp.
"Cort!"
Marcus shouted.
"Come out! Let's talk!"
"What should we talk about?"
"Stop playing dumb."
Marcus sneered.
"You stole my supplies, hacked my surveillance system, and used my money to empty my warehouse."
"Now, I'm giving you two choices."
"First, return everything to me and transfer the ownership of the ranch to me."
"second……"
"I'll kill you right now. Go find it yourself."
Which one do you choose?
I looked at him and suddenly laughed.
"Marcus, do you really think you've won?"
"What's the meaning?"
Marcus frowned.
"Look at the sky."
I said it casually.
